Tips for holidays with your dog

If our dog-friendly holidays feature has inspired you to take your pet away with you, here are ways to make sure you and your pooch don’t outstay your welcome

1. Always phone the establishment to discuss with the owners or manager what their rules are regarding dogs before you book a room. If you turn up with two large Rottweilers without pre-booking, you might not get the warm reception you were hoping for. Many places set aside bedrooms that are particularly suitable for dogs, such as ground floor rooms or rooms with access to the outside. And there is often a charge for dogs – confirm this when booking.

2. Check your pet insurance to see that it covers personal liability – knocking over furniture or tripping people up, for example.

3. Check which areas your dog is allowed into, as some places will only allow them in bedrooms.

4. Many establishments do not allow dogs to be left alone in bedrooms as they could become anxious (howling or barking and annoying other guests) or bored (chewing furniture, climbing on to beds and so forth). You may, therefore have to put your dog in the car while you’re in the restaurant for instance.

5. Make sure to take your dog’s own bedding, a towel for drying muddy paws and any favourite toys. Some places do provide bowls for food but it’s often best to stick to regular mealtimes and the food your pet is used to.

7. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to take a really unsociable dog away with you. Many proprietors have dogs and other animals of their own (and children, of course), and will not want a visiting pet that is difficult with them – or the other guests.

8. Do remember to keep your dog under control all the time – it’s more relaxing to keep even the best-behaved dogs on leads. This is particularly relevant if you are staying on farms or estates where there is livestock.

9. When you leave, make sure that there is no evidence that your dog has been there – either inside or out.

10. If you’re hoping to explore the area, most proprietors will be able to point you in the direction of good nearby walks, and some attractions have special kennels where you can leave your dog – it’s worth checking this beforehand.

And simply think of other people – a little consideration for staff and other visitors goes a long way